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Journal of Neuroinflammation Jun 2024A significant decrease in estrogen levels puts menopausal women at high risk for major depression, which remains difficult to cure despite its relatively clear etiology.... (Review)
Review
A significant decrease in estrogen levels puts menopausal women at high risk for major depression, which remains difficult to cure despite its relatively clear etiology. With the discovery of abnormally elevated inflammation in menopausal depressed women, immune imbalance has become a novel focus in the study of menopausal depression. In this paper, we examined the characteristics and possible mechanisms of immune imbalance caused by decreased estrogen levels during menopause and found that estrogen deficiency disrupted immune homeostasis, especially the levels of inflammatory cytokines through the ERα/ERβ/GPER-associated NLRP3/NF-κB signaling pathways. We also analyzed the destruction of the blood-brain barrier, dysfunction of neurotransmitters, blockade of BDNF synthesis, and attenuation of neuroplasticity caused by inflammatory cytokine activity, and investigated estrogen-immuno-neuromodulation disorders in menopausal depression. Current research suggests that drugs targeting inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3/NF-κB signaling molecules are promising for restoring homeostasis of the estrogen-immuno-neuromodulation system and may play a positive role in the intervention and treatment of menopausal depression.
Topics: Humans; Female; Menopause; Estrogens; Animals; Depression; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Signal Transduction; Cytokines
PubMed: 38898454
DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03152-1 -
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Nov 2023
Topics: Female; Humans; Menopause; Postmenopause; Uterine Diseases; Endometrium; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 38008495
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2023.09.015 -
ELife Aug 2023Accumulation of iron with age may inhibit the benefits of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular disease in late postmenopause.
Accumulation of iron with age may inhibit the benefits of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular disease in late postmenopause.
Topics: Female; Humans; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Iron; Cardiovascular Diseases; Postmenopause
PubMed: 37561017
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.90743 -
Journal of the American Heart... Aug 2023Background Premature and early menopause are independently associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, mechanisms linking age of menopause...
Background Premature and early menopause are independently associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, mechanisms linking age of menopause with CVD remain poorly characterized. Methods and Results We measured 71 circulating CVD protein biomarkers in 1565 postmenopausal women enrolled in the FHS (Framingham Heart Study). We examined the association of early menopause with biomarkers and tested whether early menopause modified the association of biomarkers with incident cardiovascular outcomes (heart failure, major CVD, and all-cause death) using multivariable-adjusted linear regression and Cox models, respectively. Among 1565 postmenopausal women included (mean age 62 years), 395 (25%) had a history of early menopause. Of 71 biomarkers examined, we identified 7 biomarkers that were significantly associated with early menopause, of which 5 were higher in women with early menopause including adrenomedullin and resistin, and 2 were higher in women without early menopause including insulin growth factor-1 and CNTN1 (contactin-1) (Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted <0.1 for all). Early menopause also modified the association of specific biomarkers with incident cardiovascular outcomes including adrenomedullin (<0.05). Conclusions Early menopause is associated with circulating levels of CVD protein biomarkers and appears to modify the association between select biomarkers with incident cardiovascular outcomes. Identified biomarkers reflect several distinct biological pathways, including inflammation, adiposity, and neurohormonal regulation. Further investigation of these pathways may provide mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of early menopause-associated CVD.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Adrenomedullin; Menopause, Premature; Menopause; Biomarkers; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37548169
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.122.028849 -
Fertility and Sterility May 2024The prediction of menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) involves understanding the factors that contribute to the timing of these events. Menopause is a... (Review)
Review
The prediction of menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) involves understanding the factors that contribute to the timing of these events. Menopause is a natural biological process marked by the cessation of menstrual periods, typically occurring around the age of 51. On the other hand, POI refers to the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40. Several factors have been used to predict menopause and POI such as age, antimüllerian hormone, inhibins and follicle-stimulating hormone serum levels, antral follicle counts, menstrual cycle length, and, recently, some genetic markers. It seems that age has the best predictive power and all the other ones are only adding in a very limited way to the prediction of menopause. Low levels of antimüllerian hormone in young women might indicate a greater risk for POI and could facilitate early diagnosis. It is, however, important to note that predicting the exact timing of menopause and POI is challenging, and individual variations are significant. Although these factors can provide some insights, they are not foolproof predictors. Advances in medical research and technology may lead to more accurate methods for predicting menopause and POI in the future.
Topics: Humans; Female; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency; Menopause; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Biomarkers; Adult; Age Factors; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; Menopause, Premature; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38382699
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.02.029 -
Nursing Open Jan 2024The aim of the study was to explore and understand the organizational culture of a workplace in terms of support and well-being for staff experiencing perimenopausal and... (Review)
Review
AIM
The aim of the study was to explore and understand the organizational culture of a workplace in terms of support and well-being for staff experiencing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms at work.
DESIGN
It is widely acknowledged that perimenopause and menopause symptoms are experienced by a large percentage of the female workforce. There is a lack of research into how nurses are supported through menopause (Cronin et al. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 42, 2021, 541-548). The perimenopause and menopause transition can be a challenging time where many may require symptom management and support (RCN, The Menopause and Work: Guidance for RCN Representatives, 2020). This paper presents a case study research (CSR) approach to examine one healthcare organization.
METHODS
CSR design was used: A survey distributed to all staff employed, a review of the available documentation on menopause and interviews with managers from different levels of the organization. The COREQ consolidated criteria was used for reporting the qualitative research reported this study.
RESULTS
The case study generated both quantitative and qualitative data using surveys, interviews and documentation. Data from the organization (n = 6905) showed a majority female workforce of 81.9% with 40.6% aged between 41 and 55 years old, meaning a third of the organization working through perimenopause and menopause. Survey responses (n = 167) collected biographical and psychometric data on the prevalence of perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Seven managers were interviewed highlighting two themes: Access to support and culture of menopause and 13 documents from the organization on menopause were analysed for content. The study design permitted an iterative approach to data collection and providing an in-depth understanding of the needs and support for those experiencing perimenopause and menopause. The findings help healthcare organizations to understand their workforce and take in to account the larger numbers of female employees particularly nurses with the need to provide person-centred support mechanisms and an organizational approach for all employees.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Menopause; Perimenopause; Case-Control Studies; Workforce; Research Design
PubMed: 38268277
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2058 -
Genome Medicine May 2024The role of metabolism in the variation of age at menarche (AAM) and age at natural menopause (ANM) in the female population is not entirely known. We aimed to...
BACKGROUND
The role of metabolism in the variation of age at menarche (AAM) and age at natural menopause (ANM) in the female population is not entirely known. We aimed to investigate the causal role of circulating metabolites in AAM and ANM using Mendelian randomization (MR).
METHODS
We combined MR with genetic colocalization to investigate potential causal associations between 658 metabolites and AAM and between 684 metabolites and ANM. We extracted genetic instruments for our exposures from four genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on circulating metabolites and queried the effects of these variants on the outcomes in two large GWAS from the ReproGen consortium. Additionally, we assessed the mediating role of the body mass index (BMI) in these associations, identified metabolic pathways implicated in AAM and ANM, and sought validation for selected metabolites in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
RESULTS
Our analysis identified 10 candidate metabolites for AAM, but none of them colocalized with AAM. For ANM, 76 metabolites were prioritized (FDR-adjusted MR P-value ≤ 0.05), with 17 colocalizing, primarily in the glycerophosphocholines class, including the omega-3 fatty acid and phosphatidylcholine (PC) categories. Pathway analyses and validation in ALSPAC mothers also highlighted the role of omega and polyunsaturated fatty acids levels in delaying age at menopause.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that metabolites from the glycerophosphocholine and fatty acid families play a causal role in the timing of both menarche and menopause. This underscores the significance of specific metabolic pathways in the biology of female reproductive longevity.
Topics: Humans; Menarche; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Female; Menopause; Metabolome; Genome-Wide Association Study; Age Factors; Metabolomics; Body Mass Index
PubMed: 38802955
DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01322-7 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Estrogen deficiency is a major cause of loss of postmenopausal bone mineral density (BMD). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of equol and resveratrol on bone... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Estrogen deficiency is a major cause of loss of postmenopausal bone mineral density (BMD). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of equol and resveratrol on bone turnover biomarkers in postmenopausal women. Sixty healthy postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive 200 mg fermented soy containing 10 mg equol and 25 mg resveratrol or a placebo for 12 months. Whole-body BMD and bone turnover biomarkers, such as deoxypyridinoline (DPD), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), osteocalcin, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), were measured at baseline and after 12 months of treatment. At the end of treatment, DPD, osteocalcin, and BAP significantly improved in the active group ( < 0.0001 for all) compared to the placebo group. Conversely, TRACP-5b levels were unaffected by supplementation ( = 0.051). Statistically significant changes in the concentrations of DPD ( < 0.0001), osteocalcin ( = 0.0001), and BAP ( < 0.0001) compared to baseline were also identified. Overall, the intervention significantly increased BMD measured in the whole body ( = 0.0220) compared with the placebo. These data indicate that the combination of equol and resveratrol may positively modulate bone turnover biomarkers and BMD, representing a potential approach to prevent age-related bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Postmenopause; Equol; Resveratrol; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase; Osteocalcin; Bone Density; Alkaline Phosphatase; Biomarkers; Bone Remodeling; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
PubMed: 37569440
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512063 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Jul 2023
Topics: Female; Humans; Perimenopause
PubMed: 37524397
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.148952-l -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Aug 2023Arthralgia or joint pain is a heterogeneous condition including organic and nonorganic joint pain. It is common in older populations, particularly in females. There is...
BACKGROUND
Arthralgia or joint pain is a heterogeneous condition including organic and nonorganic joint pain. It is common in older populations, particularly in females. There is evidence that menopausal changes are associated with increased prevalence of arthralgia. While physical activities have been recommended to mitigate osteoarthritis (OA) and arthralgia, sport participation also carries risk factors due to excessive loading of some joints and possible injuries. The aim was to evaluate the association of training patterns, prior injuries, and severity of menopausal symptoms with arthralgia in female Masters weightlifters.
METHODS
Competitive female Masters weightlifters (n=868, 30-78 years) from 30 countries completed an online survey including joint pain for different anatomical sites, weightlifting training and performance, sport history, and menopausal symptoms. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of training patterns, prior sport participation, and menopausal symptom severity with arthralgia separately for shoulders, spine, hips, knees, ankles, elbows, and hands.
RESULTS
Arthralgia was most reported in knees (38.8%), shoulders (29.8%), hands/wrists (28.8%), and hips (24.9%). The prevalence of arthralgia was 51.5% in pre-menopausal women, 62.4% in women post natural menopause and 73.3% in women post medical or surgical menopause. Lifting heavier weights was associated with arthralgia in hips (OR=1.05, p=0.03), knees (OR=1.06, p=0.01), and hands/wrists (OR=1.05, p=0.04), but prior strength training was protective for arthralgia in the shoulders (OR=0.66, p=0.02). Prior injuries and psychological menopausal symptom severity were associated with an increased risk for arthralgia (p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Arthralgia was common in competitive female weightlifters. Training frequency was not associated with arthralgia, but lifting heavier weights relative to age and body mass was. Prior injuries and menopausal symptoms were associated with arthralgia, but prior strength training was protective of arthralgia in the shoulders. Athletes, coaches and sports medicine professionals should be aware that prevalence of polyarthralgia increases in post-menopausal athletes.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged; Arthralgia; Hand; Upper Extremity; Menopause; Sports
PubMed: 37620827
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06814-y